Mulberry leaf (ML) and mulberry leaf extract (MLE) have numerous biological properties, such as regulating sugar and lipid metabolism, reducing blood glucose, and increasing insulin secretion. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials to examine the effect of ML/MLE supplementation on glycemic traits in adults, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI). Twelve clinical trials (615 participants) fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the present meta-analysis, which included sensitivity analysis and GRADE (grading of recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation) certainty. Based on the heterogeneity between included studies, a random effects model was applied in the meta-analysis, and the results are expressed as WMD (weighted mean differences) with 95% CI (confidence intervals). Meta-analysis showed that ML/MLE supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in FBG by −0.47 mmol L⁻¹, HbA1c by −2.92 mmol mol⁻¹, and FPI by −0.58 μIU mL⁻¹. In addition, subgroup analysis indicated that long-term supplementation of ML/MLE (≥8 weeks) was more effective for regulation of the glycemic traits in the non-healthy and baseline FPG >6.1 mmol L⁻¹ subgroups. Glycemic regulation by ML/MLE may be attributed to the phytochemicals they contain, which are mainly 1-deoxynojirimycin, flavonoids, phenolics, and polysaccharides.

Astaxanthin (AST), a natural antioxidant carotenoid, has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects. However, to our knowledge, no study has specifically addressed the potential protective effects of AST against bovine endometritis. The purpose of this study was to examine whether treatment with AST could protect endometrial epithelial cells against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory injury. Treatment of bovine endometrial (BEND) epithelial cell line with AST reduced LPS-induced production of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, increased the cellular activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase, decreased the proportion of apoptotic cells, and promoted the production of insulin-like growth factor and epithelial growth factor. The effects of AST were mediated through the downregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) associated X, apoptosis regulator (Bax), and cleaved caspase-3 and through the upregulation of Bcl-2. Moreover, AST significantly increased the expression of the tight junction proteins (TJP) claudin, cadherin-1, and TJP1, which play an essential role in the maintenance of host endometrial defense barrier against pathogen infection. Collectively, these results demonstrated that treatment with AST protected against oxidative stress, prevented cell apoptosis, promoted BEND cells viability, and increased the production of growth factors, in addition to activating the endometrial defense barrier. Therefore, AST is a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of endometritis. This finding is of utmost importance in the present times when the excessive use of antibiotics has resulted in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The beef cattle industry in China has advanced remarkably since its reform and opening up; consequently, China has become the world’s third-largest beef cattle producer. China is also one of the countries with the most substantial research input and output in the field of beef cattle feed and nutrition. The progress and innovation by China in the research field of beef cattle feed and nutrition have undoubtedly promoted the development of the domestic beef cattle industry. This review summarizes recent advances in feed resource development, nutrient requirements, and nutritional regulation of beef cattle in China. Limitations in current research and perspectives on future work are also discussed.